Key Facts
Key Information
About
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is the law school of the University of Pittsburgh, a public research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1895, it became a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools in 1900 and has a long history of legal education, with its first permanent classes held in the orphans' court rooms of the old Allegheny County courthouse before moving to dedicated facilities in 1897. Today, the school's primary home is the Barco Law Building, where it offers a range of degrees including the Master of Studies in Law (MSL), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM) for international students, and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). It is renowned for producing legal professionals who serve in government, private practice, public interest organizations, corporations, and judicial clerkships, supported by a Professional Development Office that aids students in career pursuits.
The school emphasizes a diverse community of learning dedicated to advancing lawyers and legal institutions, with numerous international legal programs, seven clinics that provide hands-on experience, and several student-run law journals. It fosters robust academic exchange and direct engagement with regional issues, particularly through initiatives like the Center for Civil Rights and Racial Justice, which embodies its commitment to transforming the justice system for equality. The Student Bar Association oversees nearly 30 law student organizations and affinity groups, creating a vibrant liaison between students and administration, and encouraging participation from all students, including LLM candidates, in extracurricular activities.
As part of a leading public university, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law maintains a focus on practical training and social justice, contributing to the broader Western Pennsylvania region while attracting a diverse student body. Its clinics and programs address pressing local and global legal challenges, reinforcing its role in preparing ethical and skilled legal practitioners.